Provost, Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, AIFCE Owerri, Dr. Mrs. Stella Ngozi Lemchi has said that the reason for honouring Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State with the institution's "Diamond Award", was recognition of his support and dedication to the growth and development of the institution.
Recall that the award was presented to the Governor as the institution maked her 60th year of its establishment which according to the Provost, reflected the institution's remarkable journey and celebration of excellence in education, innovation and service to human society in general.
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In her address at the grand finale of the event on Thursday, Lemchi said the institution, "since its inception in 1963 as the Advanced Teachers' Training College, has navigated challenges, embraced changes and consistently pushed the boundaries of excellence".
She said, "our success story is not merely defined by infrastructure or statistics, but by the lives we touch, the ideas we nurture, and the dreams we inspire.
"This jubilee is a testimony to the fact that education is the cornerstone of societal progress, and we, the Alvan community, take immense pride in our role as custodians of this noble mission."
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And speaking further on Uzodinma's merit for the recognition, the Provost said, "beyond the university status, Governor Hope Uzodimma has shown remarkable interest in the progres of our College, for which we continue to be grateful.
"His Excellency has strongly supported us in the recovery of College lands forcefully taken away by past governments private individuals.
"The College community was also excited and honoured when Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma, in his characteristic love for the College, nominated one of us, Lady Chinyere Ekomaru as his running mate in the gubernatorial election later in the year.
"For all these and more to come, the Alvan community profusely thank our indefatigable Governor and wish him well."
While receiving the award, Governor Uzodinma thanked the institution for the recognition and pledged his continued support to the growth and development of the College and others in the state.
He reiterated his government commitment to enhancing education standard in the state and solicited continued support of Imo people to his administration.
The event witnessed the official commissioning of the reconstructed College's Health Centre by the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Colleges of Education, Prof. Paulinus Okwelle as well as the jubilee lecture delivered by the former Provost of the college, Prof. Blessing Ijioma, among others.